King Charles reportedly let out a "groan" and muttered "another one?" before Claudia Winkleman's MBE ceremony at Windsor Castle, after being warned that a "sort-of relative" was due to meet him.
The Traitors host was recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list alongside former Strictly Come Dancing co-presenter Tess Daly. The ceremony took place on December 9, 2025, where the monarch appointed Claudia a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her contributions to broadcasting.
King's mood improved upon realising it was Claudia
According to the Mail's Ephraim Hardcastle, Charles was given advance notice before the ceremony and let out a "groan" upon learning that a "sort-of relative" was on the list. However, once he realised it was Claudia, he "was in a much improved mood" — possibly because he is a fan.
Hardcastle wrote: "The King, receiving a briefing before last week's investiture ceremony, was warned a 'sort-of relative' was on the list. A mole whispers that it prompted a groan from His Majesty, who muttered, 'another one?'"
He added: "When the King found out it was Claudia Winkleman, half-sister of Lady Frederick Windsor (aka actress Sophie Winkleman) turning up to receive her MBE, the monarch, a Strictly fan, was in a much improved mood."
Danny Dyer's royal connection recalled
The remark is thought to refer to a 2019 encounter when EastEnders actor Danny Dyer cheekily told the then-Prince Charles he was enjoying a "family reunion" at the Prince's Trust Awards. Danny's royal connection came to light on the BBC genealogy programme Who Do You Think You Are? in 2016, where he discovered he was descended from Thomas Cromwell and William the Conqueror.
Charles later acknowledged that he had "discovered a long-lost relation with Daniel Dyer" and indicated he would be carrying out "some research" into the matter, according to the BBC.
Claudia's recent Strictly departure and upcoming show
Claudia and Tess recently announced their departure from Strictly Come Dancing at the end of the 2025 series. In a joint statement, they said: "We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time."
Claudia is currently appearing in The Celebrity Traitors, alongside contestants including James Blunt, Michael Sheen, Maya Jama and Rob Beckett. The Mirror has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment. The next episode airs on Friday, October 16, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
